International Centre

The Study Abroad Office would like to advise all students that the deadline for Exchange Applications for Semester 2, 2010 has been extended by one week. 

The new deadline is 11.59pm on December 11th 2009.

This is to ensure that all exams results are released by time of application deadline.

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Closing dates for 2010/2011 Exchanges

• Semester 2, 2010: Applications close on 11th December 2009 for study in the first half of 2010

• Semester 1, 2011: Applications close on 4th June 2010 for study in the first half of 2011

[ You should start planning your exchange experience at least 6 - 9 months ahead of time ]

The TEN STEPS
…to becoming an exchange student!
 

1.      Visit the Study Abroad Office or attend one of the Student Exchange Info sessions to find out what the program involves.  The Study Abroad Office has information on the universities that you can go to and internet access so you can research your destination.

2.      Apply using our new online application system, Hermes. Register using your student number and Pheme password at https://www.grs.uwa.edu.au/Hermes/Default.aspx

3.      If you do not satisfy the basic eligibility criteria for participation in the program, Hermes will not let you proceed with your application.  You will be required to meet with a Student Exchange Adviser before continuing. Call 6488 8199 to make an appointment.

4.      If you wish to study in a foreign language while overseas, speak to the appropriate Language Coordinator.

5.      Research is the most important step to going on exchange. Find out about countries you would like to visit and about universities that offer courses relevant to you.  Consider: Where do you want to study?  What costs are involved?  What will the weather be like?  Do you want to live on or off-campus?  Is the university situated in a ‘university-town’ or is it in a large city?  What scholarships does the university offer?  Be aware of the different terms that other universities use; for example, at most other universities a unit is a ‘Course’ or a ‘credit point’ and a unit handbook is the ‘Course Catalogue’ or ‘Course Calendar’. All students are expected to do their own research.

6.      Complete the application. Consult with your Faculty Student Adviser or Sub-Dean to choose units that will be approved for credit by your faculty.

7.      Submit the application by the first Friday in June for study in Semester 1 the following year. For study in semester 2 of the following year, submit by the first Friday in December. Don’t leave it to the last minute! Hermes will close for applications at midnight and late applications will not be accepted. Your faculty adviser(s) and referees cannot complete their part of your application until you click submit.
Print out the declaration page, sign it and return it to the Study Abroad Office along with any other additional documents.

8.      You will be notified of your acceptance by UWA into the Exchange Program in April for applications submitted in December of the previous year and September for applications submitted in June. Notification of acceptance from the host university normally takes longer. It is important to keep checking your UWA student email address after you have submitted your application, at least twice a week, as we may need to contact you about your application.

9.      Make sure your passport is in order. New passport applications can take some time to process, so don’t leave it too late. Book your plane ticket; in some instances travel agents such as Campus Travel on St Georges Tce, Perth & Tertiary Travel on Broadway, Nedlands may let you book a ticket and hold off paying for it until your acceptance comes through.

10.  Attend the compulsory Pre-Departure session hosted by the Study Abroad Office and say your goodbyes!

The application process

The application can be viewed in full by registering with HERMES, but the types of questions asked are listed below.

1. Personal details
2. Exchange Program choice
   
3. A statement of purpose
4. A proposed study plan for your host universities which you will put together, and then get approved by your Academic Student Advisor.
5. The contact details of two academic referees (who will be contacted by us via email)
6. A financial statement (for scholarship assessment)
7. A self-reflection worksheet, including questions about the universities you have chosen, their location, and some general questions. 

And then what happens...

Your application will then be forwarded to the Student Exchange Selection Committee for consideration and you may be required to attend an interview with the Student Exchange office.

You will be notified of the outcome between two and three weeks after the selection has been completed.

Successful applicants will be required to complete an application form from the host university and submit it to the International Centre. Your application will then be forwarded to the host university.

Generally the host university will notify applicants of the outcome within six to eight weeks (usually May/June for Fall start, or October/November for Winter/Spring start).

Until the acceptance from the host university is recieved students are not guarenteed a place on Student Exchange. As such the Study Abroad Office does not recommend booking flights or making fixed travel plans until notification form the host University is recieved.

The host university will forward all relevant information including documents for visa application with your advice of acceptance. The Study Abroad Office will conduct a pre-departure information seminar for outbound students in June (for Fall start) and October (for Winter/Spring start).